Trump Says He Will Decide on Fort Hood Killer Execution Livestream

President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that he will be the ultimate decision-maker regarding whether the execution of Nidal Hasan, the former Army Major convicted of the 2009 Fort Hood massacre, will be livestreamed.

This comes after an announcement on Thursday by the Defense Secretary that Hasan's execution would be broadcast live. That decision had drawn widespread criticism, with many decrying it as inhumane.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump acknowledged the existence of differing viewpoints on the matter. "There are two thoughts: don’t show it and show it. Cause you know, by showing it, maybe other people won’t be doing what he did. So I’ll make a decision ultimately," Trump said. He added that he was aware of what the military's preference might be but would make the final call.

Trump described Hasan as a "vicious killer" who murdered 13 people and wounded 20 others "in cold blood." He noted that "some of those people will never have their lives back in a true sense."